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Our Story
The Problem
Inaccessibility to modern learning methods is a prevalent issue for underserved communities. According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics, 16% of households in the lowest income quartile had no internet access, compared to just 1% of households in the highest income quartile. This digital divide often translates into limited access to online education and personalized learning, making it harder for underprivileged students to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
Our Discovery
At The Stateless Collective, we provide accessible and innovative education to underprivileged students, bridging the gap in personalized learning. Our journey started when university undergrads identified a gap in student preparedness while studying abroad. We noticed students were often unprepared for complex situations and lacked understanding of local community issues, inadvertently putting those they intended to help at risk. To tackle this, we developed an online learning platform offering courses, discussion boards, and in-person reflection, empowering students with problem-solving skills.
Our Services
We understand that underprivileged students often lack access to traditional educational resources. To address this, we offer online training for ethical fieldwork, ensuring accessibility regardless of background. Additionally, we've launched the Innovation, Engineering, Design Academy (IDEA), a summer accelerator program for teenagers. IDEA uses experiential learning to introduce students to societal innovation and problem-solving, teaching them to identify community needs, design solutions, and implement change effectively.
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster global engagement with displaced communities and train future leaders sustainably and with local insight. We advocate for universities and NGOs to provide rigorous training to ensure students are well-prepared for fieldwork. At The Stateless Collective, we equip students to be culturally aware and globally engaged citizens, emphasizing their role as local leaders even in their home communities. Our impact extends beyond travel, aiming for sustained engagement and leadership at home and abroad.
Our Promise
Our Promise
At The Stateless Collective, we believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference in the world. By providing accessible and innovative education, we hope to empower students to become the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. Whether you're a university student preparing for fieldwork or a high school student interested in social innovation, we are committed to providing you with the tools and resources you need to succeed. Join us on our mission to create a more equitable and socially just world.
Our Team
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Hayes
Hart-Thompson
(they/them)
Executive Director | Cofounder
Hayes Hart-Thompson is a BU alum who holds degrees in anthropology and film & television. They currently act as the Director of Innovation for Wayland Public Schools, teaching courses in Innovation, Design Thinking, and Engineering, as well as support curriculum building across the district. Previously Hayes worked as thePublic Health Excellence Grant Coordinator at Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition, supporting six Greater Boston towns and cities in their efforts to ensure health equity.
Jack
Giunta
(he/him)
Chief Technical Officer | Cofounder
Jack Giunta is a BU alum, where he received an MS degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Cognitive Psychology and a research focus in Education Technology. In addition to freelance web development, he is a Technical Consultant at Deloitte GPS. Specifically, he is a Functional Designer for the State of Michigan's Department of Health & Human Services. In this role, he works to ensure their CRM systems are effective and accessible for Michigan citizens, community partners, and Department employees.
Alyssa
Figueroa
(she/her)
Chief Communications Officer
Alyssa Figueroa is a BU alum with a BA in International Relations. She currently serves as a DEIA Management Analyst at the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security. In this role, she leads Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) trainings, initiatives, and strategic planning. Prior to joining the Department, Alyssa served as a Program Coordinator at the Stateless Collective, specializing in social justice and media communications. Her success in these areas led to her promotion to the Collective's CCO.